What is LockDown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser is an application that can be used to for quizzes in Canvas. It allows the teacher to require that students open and use LockDown Browser on an iPad, MacBook, or Chromebook. When students use LockDown Browser, they cannot open other applications, take screenshots, copy/paste, or get to other parts of Canvas until they have submitted the quiz they are taking. 

For iPad users, this is a more secure method for testing than using Apple Classroom because students cannot turn their device off or access other parts of Canvas until they have completed the quiz.

Why use it?

This allows you a little peace of mind when administering a quiz through Canvas. Students will not be able to cheat easily, take screenshots, or view notes.

How do I use it?

Written Directions

1. For any quiz you already have in your Canvas course, you can use LockDown Browser. Simply click on the LockDown Browser navigation button in your course, find the quiz you would like to have students take, and click on Modify Settings. If the navigation button is not visible in your course, follow this video to enable that button.

2. Select the button to “Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam” and then you can choose if you’d like students to only be able to view feedback and results in Respondus as well. You can also set an access code for this exam which you can verbally tell students in class so they are only taking it when you are present.

3. Click on Advanced Settings. They include a checkbox setting for using LockDown Browser on iPads. You can also change the settings to give students a calculator to use, access links outside of Canvas, and more. It is recommended to use an access code for quizzes as well so that students do not take the quiz before they are supposed. If your students use iPads, you must check the setting to "allow students to take this exam with an iPad."

Decision Tree

Student directions: pick the device.

• MacBook
• iPad
• Chromebook
• Add Button

Students will need to go to Self Service on their MacBooks and download Respondus LockDown Browser. Once it is installed, students will open the program and be prompted to log into Canvas. They will be unable to take the quiz unless they are using Respondus LockDown Browser. When it is open, they will be unable to take screenshots, copy/paste, or switch into other applications. They should navigate to the quiz they are told to take and take it. Once they are done, they will be able to close the application if you checked that setting in the advanced settings.

CLASSIC QUIZZES:

Students will need to go to Self Service on their iPads and download Respondus LockDown Browser. Once it is installed, students will open the program and be prompted to log into Canvas. Navigate to the quiz and start it! They will be unable to take the quiz unless they are using Respondus LockDown Browser. When it is open, they will be unable to take screenshots, copy/paste, turn off their device, or switch into other applications. Once they are done taking their assigned quiz, they will be able to close the application if you checked that setting in the advanced settings.

NEW QUIZZES:

New Quizzes does work on iPads, but the steps are different than a Classic Quiz. Students should download the app, but do not sign into it. Open Canvas using Safari. Navigate to the quiz. A large lock icon will appear on the screen indicating they must take their quiz in LockDown Browser. Tapping on the icon will open LockDown Browser and direct them automatically to the quiz. If they do not follow these directions perfectly, it may lock up their iPad and they will have to hold down the power button and home button to restart their iPad.

When first starting up the Chromebook, there is an Apps menu from which the Lockdown Browser can be launched. Additional notes on accessing and using it Chromebooks are available at this Respondus support page article. Staff should also note that a few advanced features are not currently available in the Chromebook version.

Additional Resources:

• Respondus LockDown Browser Knowledge Base